OXFORD'S traditional May Morning celebrations have been cancelled due to coronavirus.

Organisers at Oxford City Council put out the following statement this morning:

In line with Government coronavirus advice on mass gatherings, Oxford City Council and Magdalen College have regrettably had to take the decision to cancel preparations for this year’s May Morning Event.  While we do not know what the situation will be in May, the emergency services who normally support the event need to be available for priority duties relating to coronavirus. The preparation times for the event mean decisions about the commitment of money and resources need to be made now. Given the uncertainty ahead, we have decided that it is prudent to cancel the event which will also mean the resources can be used elsewhere if needed.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday that, although not banned, people were advised against going to mass gatherings.

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Crucially, he also said that emergency services would not be providing personnel to ensure mass gatherings went ahead safely.

Thousands of people usually gather along Magdalen Bridge for May Morning celebrations, listening to choristers sing at 6am, before heading to Broad Street for Morris dancing and other performances.

It is one of the city's most eccentric and treasured events, and it has been held for more than 500 years on May 1.

This year's was due to fall on a Friday. 

Huge crowds were expected to gather to hear Magdalen College choir sing Hymnus Eucharisticus from the Great Tower.

It was composed in the 17th century by a fellow of Magdalen and has been sung every year from the Great Tower on May Morning.

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Bells then ring out across the city and many restaurants, bars and cafe usually open early to cater to the early-risers.

Many people even stay up through the night to get a good spot on the bridge.

The tradition is held to celebrate the arrival of spring, and many people dress up in green or wear flower crowns to symbolise the change of season.

Oxford Mail:

Photo from last year. Picture: Richard Cave

Last year, 13,500 people who gathered on the bridge were also treated to choristers' haunting rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Emergency workers are key to the smooth running of the event and there are usually teams of paramedics and police officers patrolling the crowds.

Although it has not happened recently, in previous years some people have jumped from Magdalen Bridge into the river, injuring themselves and requiring hospital treatment. 

Want to relive last year's May Morning celebrations? Take a look back at our live blog from the day